A Fusion of Flavours and Social Media Phenomenon
Chocolate has always been a beloved treat. It melts in the mouths of those unable to resist its charm, and its flavours sweeten many of our most treasured memories. So, how could one transform simple milk chocolate into an almost mythical treat?
It took one young, brave entrepreneur, British Egyptian Sarah Hamouda, a lot of skilled work and a vibrant social media campaign to create the “Dubai chocolate” global trend. The ‘marriage’ of chocolate and pistachio cream, with a touch of shredded kadayif, was a happy and delightful collision of rich, velvety sweetness and earthy, nutty complexity. This recent eruption in the culinary world is less about a single type of chocolate and more about an overnight cultural moment, illustrating the power of online social networks in driving consumer behaviour. It’s a confluence of social media virality, luxury branding and a playful, often over-the-top approach to confectionery.
This intriguing Middle Eastern-inspired confection has captured the attention of food enthusiasts and local artisans worldwide, and now it’s making its mark in Portugal: so far in the municipalities of Lisbon and Viseu, probably very soon in the Algarve as well. The local rich culinary traditions and the pre-eminence of artisanal craftsmanship, together with the availability of high-quality ingredients, support the creation of superb quality versions of this trending chocolate. Several retail chains are also offering their own versions of Dubai chocolate, some of them at luxury prices, two or even three times more expensive than the same quantity of Swiss chocolate.
To have the best chance of finding Dubai chocolate in the Algarve, I recommend checking the Apolónia and Lidl stores in your area first. Keep an eye out at Galp service stations and explore other supermarkets and gourmet shops for potentially similar products. Good luck with your chocolate hunt!
